Cherry Limeade, Ocean Water, Lemon Berry, are you thirsty yet? The SONIC Hard Seltzers are hitting the shelves of Oklahoma stores today
Today, SONIC Hard Seltzers hit the shelves of retail locations across our state. This new product was created through an exciting collaboration between two Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Members, COOP Ale Works and SONIC Drive-In. “Collaborating with COOP Ale Works on this line of Hard Seltzers and bringing in some new flavors like Mango Guava and Melon Medley that aren’t SONIC standards, has been a real passion project for all of us. Summer is going to be a lot cooler in Oklahoma this year with a SONIC Hard Seltzer to sip on (for those 21 and up, of course)!” said Vice President of Product Development at SONIC, Scott Uehlein.
The idea for the SONIC Hard Seltzers originally began in response to the success of COOP’s Will & Wiley seltzer product. With their initial launch in November of 2019, COOP led the way as the first Oklahoma craft brewery to begin producing and distributing a seltzer line. In its first year, the most popular Will & Wiley flavor was cherry lime, which prompted the COOP staff to consider other Oklahoma-centric flavors.
One member of the COOP team suggested they try mimicking the iconic Ocean Water SONIC Slush flavor and create a Will & Wiley “inspired by SONIC” line. This suggestion set the ball in motion and quickly led to the unique collaboration between the quick service restaurant company and craft brewery. COOP President Sean Mossman said, “At some point it occurred to me that there may be an opportunity for us to go directly to SONIC.” Both being Oklahoma City-based companies, it made sense to work together. Over several months, leadership from COOP and SONIC discussed the details surrounding the partnership and an agreement to move forward with the collaboration was set in December of 2020.
Throughout the past five months, individuals from both the SONIC and COOP team have worked diligently to pull off this month’s launch of the seltzers, soon to fly off shelves across Oklahoma. According to Mossman, “We worked very closely with the SONIC innovation team. They were heavily involved in getting to the right flavor profile.” Mossman explained that the team went through 90 days of testing to ensure the recipes properly matched the well-loved SONIC beverages.
Scott Uehlein, who led the flavor-matching efforts, said, “SONIC’s beverage offerings are iconic, and truly unique to the SONIC brand. Our Cherry Limeade and Ocean Water™ drinks are cherished SONIC favorites, so we took special care to transform these and other SONIC flavors into the Hard Seltzer format.”
Because Ocean Water and Cherry Limeade are the most popular slush flavors at SONIC, it was an easy decision to include them in the product mix. In stores, customers will be able to purchase 12-packs of solely Ocean Water or Cherry Limeade seltzers. For those who want additional options outside of the staple flavors, 12-packs of Citrus and Tropical varieties will be available for purchase. Each multipack includes 4 unique flavors. The Citrus variety offers a mixture of Classic Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Original Limeade, and Lemon Berry, and the Tropical variety pack will include Ocean Water, Melon Medley, Mango Guava, and Orange Pineapple.
Though you can’t go wrong with any of the seltzers, Mossman said, “I do weirdly have a favorite flavor… Orange Pineapple. It’s really solid.” To try it for yourself, be sure to snag a tropical variety pack.
Each hard seltzer is 100 calories, has a 5% ABV, is gluten free, and includes only one gram of sugar. For health-conscious individuals looking for a refreshing alcoholic summer drink, picking up one of these cans is not a bad option. In addition to its flattering nutrition facts, it’s a beverage for all to drink with a sense of Oklahoma pride.
Now, to answer the most pressing question: Where can you find them?
Anywhere in Oklahoma stores where you have been able to find COOP products in the past, you’ll be able to find the SONIC Hard Seltzer.
Oklahomans, be on the lookout next time you stop into your local liquor, convenience, or grocery store. They were distributed across the state on May 17th and should be available in most places on the 18th. In August, the seltzer availability will expand to Nebraska, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas and, if all goes well, you’ll be able to find the SONIC Hard Seltzers in 20 states across the nation by spring of 2022.
SONIC Hard Seltzers will not be available at SONIC Drive-In locations.
With the national expansion of the seltzer, COOP plans to also expand the distribution of their beer products. According to Mossman, the COOP team is expanding to accommodate their growth. He stated, “We’ve been on a rapid hiring binge over the past three months, and we definitely have a significant level of hiring that will happen in the near future.”
For those concerned their Will & Wiley favorites no longer being available, fear not! Will & Wiley will continue being produced and sold. Their flavors are distinct from the SONIC Hard Seltzers, and COOP believes there’s room for both products in the market.
Mossman reflected, “I think that we’re equal parts excited and exhausted. It’s been quite an undertaking. Our team is working really hard to get this product out here. We are super excited about the payoff, and the reach and engagement from the consumer base has been amazing. First and foremost, we’re a company that’s focused on beer…but we are focused on creating opportunity for the community.” Working with SONIC, an organization with a nearly 70-year history in Oklahoma, perfectly aligns with that focus. The two organizations make a great team.
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